Denmark Biking 7 Days

Odense

Your trip starts from Odense, birthplace of HC Anderson and a charming and delightful city just 1h by train from Copenhagen. Your Area Manager will meet at your first hotel at 4pm for a walking tour of the town center. The historic center has recently undergone an urban re-design and is stunning, including the HC Anderson museum and district by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma & Associates. Winding maze-like hedges wrap a series of green-roofed timber pavilions. Loosely inspired by Andersen’s story The Tinderbox, in which a tree reveals an underground world, three wooden pavilions housing a cafe, children’s studio and entrance foyer above-ground lead to a network of immersive subterranean display spaces. Enjoy dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants in town.

Odense

Depart Odense by bike along bike paths out to Keterminde. Along the way, stop to admire the Ulriksholm Castle on Kertinge Nor en-route to the Ladby Viking ship burial, where in 925AD, a king was buried in a ship that is fascinating. You’ll learn about the Viking history here and stroll through a historic site. In Keterminde, have lunch on the sea and then loop back to Odense in the afternoon. Dine at one of the top restaurants in the region, at Kok & Vin with a renowned chef.

Ride Distance: 50 km; elevation gain: 175 m

Odense to Faaborg

Ride from Odense, embarking on the scenic castle route, cycle through the charming town of Brobyvaerk where you can enjoy lunch at the Havestuen at historic Brobyvaerk Kro, a beautiful restaurant and inn. Arrive to Faaborg an historic town located on Faaborg Fjord. The Classic trip stays at a casual hotel in the town center of Faaborg. The Luxe trip stays at the exquisite Relais & Chateau Falsled Kro which has been hosting guests since the late 16^th century. Read travel writer Erin Gustafson’s description of Faaborg here.

Ride Distance: 60 km; elevation gain: 350 m 

Faaborg & Egeslov Castle Loop

Today’s ride is a loop through what is known locally as the Danish Alps along quiet roads to perhaps the most beautiful castle in Denmark, Egeslov. Along the way, stop at protected Braendegard Lake, the 2^nd largest in Fyn and admire the birdlife; one of the largest cormorant colony’s in Europe is here – in 1992 there were 7,000 pairs. Arrive to Egeskov castle, one of Europe’s best preserved Renaissance water castles, dating to 1554; you can visit the castle, gardens and park. It’s a quick downhill ride back to Faaborg and you’ll have time to explore the waterfront and historic town center.

Ride Distance: 60 km; elevation gain: 400 m or 77 km; elevation gain: 535 m 

Faaborg to Svendborg

Start your day with a 1-hour ferry to Soby and pedal around Aero Island. Visit Vester Mill, a thatched windmill dating back to the 1800’s and then continue along the Danish seaside, passing iconic colorful beach houses, picturesque pastures, and expansive farmland. Take breaks at local farm shops to savor the flavors of the seasonal harvest. Aeroskobing is a charming 18^th century Danish village with half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Finish the day cruising back to the mainland to Svendborg, a delightful town blending maritime tradition with an old-world ambiance. Take leisurely moments to explore artisan shops and quaint cafés before reaching your accommodation for the next two nights. The Classic trip stays at a contemporary hotel on the edge of the historical district; the Luxe trip stays at Stella Maris, an elegant boutique hotel perched on the scenic Svendborg Sound.

Ride Distance: 54 km; elevation gain: 265 m

Svendborg

Embark on a cycling journey back into the Danish archipelago. Marvel at the verdant woodlands and untamed coastal beauty of Tåsinge island, passing by castles and picturesque rural villages. Visit Troense, a charming sea-side village adorned with 18th-century half-timbered houses.

Visit Valdemars Slot, a 13th-century castle, offering breathtaking views of Svendborg Sound and the South Fyn Archipelago. On clear days, the vistas extend as far as Kiel in Northern Germany. For those wanting a longer ride, continue to enchanting Langaland Island, providing a picturesque glimpse into Denmark’s historical nobility era. We’ll finish the week with a festive dinner and toast the magnificence of this enchanting region.

Ride Distance: 40 km; elevation gain: 240 m or 80 km; elevation gain: 500 m

Depart

You can depart at your leisure by train back to Odense and Copenhagen.